OCR Text |
Show f letters to V the editor J Spectators cautioned about fire twirlers Editor: Since the parade season is upon us, I would like to express some concerns that I have regarding the safety of a few spectators that will be watching this summer's parades. I teach dance and baton. Since moving to Utah County, I have been working hard developing and organizing Utah County's first fire baton corps. This year, instead of one, I have five fire twirlers marching in the local parades. For many people, fire twirling is a very exciting and exotic thing to watch. But, in this area, I am amazed with the carelessness a few parade spectators have around fire. Therefore, I feel I must "educate" Utahns on how to safely watch; and also, to answer a few questions some have asked about fire twirling. 1. YES! It is REAL FIRE! I am amazed at how many people don't believe the batons are on fire. The batons are specially made to be soaked in gas and ignited with a will sometimes see fire twirlers performing without flames on their batons. If it is breezy, there will be a small flame and the fire twirlers' hair is periodically sprayed with fire retardant while marching along the parade route. Watching fire twirling is fun and very enjoyable to see. I would like to continue to entertain Utah County residents with this unique type of performance without harm to anyone. It is quite safe to watch if you are just aware ofthe dangers by keeping at a safe distance and enjoy its beauty. Also, I would like to comment on the Strawberry Days Parade. It was very nice and enjoyable to march in. The only problem we had, was in the evening parade. The floats and vehicles were going so fast that my girls had to run throughout most of the parade route. We finished marching approximately 10 minutes earlier than we had in the morning parade. Many times I have discussed with parade officials the importance of having the floats and vehicles drive at a "walking pace," so the bands and marchers won't have to run. But parade officials are worried about gaps in their parade and I can sympathize, because no one enjoys a parade with gaps. There are two main reasons for gaps: 1. The floats and vehicles are moving so fast that the marchers can't keep up, therefore causing gaps. 2. Bands, cheerleaders, dance groups, etc. stop to dance, cheer, etc. causing the parade to stop and wait for them. Most band and drill directors are aware of this and therefore choreograph their routines with a forward motion in mind. After the evening Strawberry Days Parade a lady was talking to me about how nice the parade was, but it moved so fast that she couldn't enjoy looking at the floats. She said that one float was going so fast that it was one long purple blur. A man yelled, "There goes the purple blob." All-in-all the Strawberry Days Parade was a fun parade to march in because the spectators were very appreciative, friendly and seemed to enjoy the entertainment. Ever since I can remember, I have been involved in parades, both here in Utah and in California. Also, I have been involved in all areas of parade work (marching, riding, designing and driving floats, etc.); and on the whole, Utah County has some very nice parades. Most of the spectators here have been very gracious and friendly. It isn't easy to organize a large parade and my hat goes off to many of the parade officials for jobs well done. --Florence Adams Director Blue Crystals Dance and Baton Corps match. It is HOT and it BURNS! It takes a special child to be able to twirl fire. They must not be afraid of fire; but at the same time have enough fear to respect its dangers. Very few children have the nerve and the courage it takes to twirl fire. I have had many try, but few succeed. 2. When watching fire tiwrling, it is VERY IMPORTANT TO STAY AT A SAFE DISTANCE. I can't believe how many people casually wander dangerously close or thru marching fire twirlers. What most people don't realize is that the girls twirling fire have been carefully sprayed and soaked from head to foot with a special flame retardant. Their costumes, hair and every inch of their body has been soaked with this retardant. The helpers who walk and assist the fire twirlers, and even the child carrying the banner in front of the twirlers, have also been thoroughly sprayed with retardant (especially the hair). You wouldn't believe how many times I have had to caution people along the parade route to stay clear of the fire twirlers. At parades, I have seen children come within inches of the flames. When I have warned them to stay back, there has been times the mothers of some of these children have said, "Oh, he won't catch on fire," or "She's okay," or as one mother recently, "Lady, I can take care of my child." I wonder what she would have said if he caught on fire. Sometimes when warning people not to wander too close, I get comments that can't be printed. At times, I am stunned to think that some people seem to be so careless around flames. I've often wondered if they have ever been burned. My fire twirlers have, and they can tell you that it hurts. Also, if the hair catches on fire, it goes in a split second and the hair is usually the first to ignite. The fire twirlers' hair is tightly pinned to the head and a cap, or a cover of some kind is worn so as to cut down on stray hairs that might ignite. My regular baton twirlers know enough to stay clear of the fire twirlers. 3. DON'T BLOW AT A FLAME THAT HAS BEEN IGNITED BY GAS. The flames follow the gas and they won't go out by blowing on them. They must be extinguished with a specially made cannister. When you blow on a gas ignited flame, it can "snap" right back into your face. You wouldn't believe how many people have been crazy enough to try blowing the fire out. 4. If the wind is gusty, the batons will not be ignited. That is why you |